References for James 3:1

2
Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

3
We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.

4
And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.

5
In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

6
And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

References for James 3:12

13
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

14
But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.

15
For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.

16
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

18
And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.